Background of the study
News broadcasts in Nigeria are essential for informing the public, and the effective delivery of news relies heavily on clear pronunciation. Hausa, one of Nigeria’s widely spoken languages, exhibits diverse phonetic variations due to regional accents, speech rate, and contextual influences. These variations can significantly affect listener comprehension in news broadcasts. When news anchors or reporters deviate from standard phonetic norms, it may either enrich the naturalness of communication or create ambiguity that hampers understanding (Gambo, 2023). This study explores how phonetic variations in Hausa impact the clarity and effectiveness of Nigerian news broadcasts. By analyzing recorded segments and conducting listener surveys, the research seeks to identify specific phonetic deviations that influence message transmission. It also examines how regional identity and audience expectations interact with phonetic variability, ultimately affecting comprehension. The findings will contribute to bridging the gap between phonetic theory and broadcast practice, ensuring that news delivery remains both authentic and accessible (Ibrahim, 2024; Suleiman, 2025).
Statement of the problem
There is a critical gap in research regarding the effect of phonetic variation in Hausa on listener comprehension in Nigerian news broadcasts. Variations in pronunciation, while reflecting regional diversity, may lead to reduced clarity and potential miscommunication (Gambo, 2023). The absence of systematic studies on this subject impedes the development of guidelines for standardizing pronunciation in news media, potentially compromising the quality of information dissemination. This study aims to investigate how different phonetic variations influence listener understanding and to identify factors that contribute to effective communication in news broadcasts (Ibrahim, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
1. To analyze phonetic variations in Hausa news broadcasts.
2. To assess the impact of these variations on listener comprehension.
3. To recommend strategies for enhancing clarity in news delivery.
Research questions:
1. What phonetic variations are present in Hausa news broadcasts?
2. How do these variations affect listener comprehension?
3. What measures can be implemented to improve pronunciation clarity?
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it examines the role of phonetic variation in influencing listener comprehension in Hausa news broadcasts. The insights will benefit broadcasters, linguists, and policymakers by informing strategies to enhance communication clarity and ensure that news messages are effectively conveyed to diverse audiences (Suleiman, 2025).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is confined to examining the effect of phonetic variation in Hausa on listener comprehension in Nigerian news broadcasts. It does not extend to other languages or media formats.
Definitions of terms:
1. Phonetic Variation: Differences in pronunciation due to accent, context, and speech rate.
2. Listener Comprehension: The degree to which audiences accurately understand spoken language.
3. News Broadcasts: Programs dedicated to delivering current events and information.
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to evaluate audio visual aids and ict: correlates of senior s...
Background of the Study
Audit fees are an important factor in the financial decision-making process of both firms and au...
statement of the problem:
the worrisome living...
Background of the Study
Fire safety training is a critical component of risk management in educational institutions, yet t...
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Education, in its broadest meaning, covers all of the processes that people go...
Background of the Study
Technical drawing is an essential skill in various engineering and architectural disciplines, requ...
Neonatal resuscitation is a life-saving intervention that significantly reduc...
Background of the Study
Bukola Saraki, a former president of the Nigerian Senate and influential politician from Kwara Stat...
Background of the Study
Consumer debt levels in Nigeria have been on the rise, influenced by a variety of economic factors...
Background of the Study
Clear and consistent communication of interest rate policies is critical for shaping depositor beha...